Confronting Reification: Revitalizing Georg Lukacs's Thought in Late Capitalism

Georg Lukács (1885-1971) was a twentieth-century Marxist philosopher and literary critic whose work influenced critical theory. Despite attempts to erase his memory, his legacy remains a philosophical gadfly. This volume, Confronting Reification, explores his theory of reification and demonstrates the vitality of his thought and its relevance to contemporary debates. Contributors include scholars from around the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2021
Publisher: Haymarket Books

Georg Lukács (1885-1971) stands as one of the most groundbreaking Marxist philosophers and literary critics of the 20th century. His profound contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of critical theory, shaping our understanding of the world. Nearly half a century after his passing, Lukács' legacy faces a relentless assault from right-wing extremists in his homeland of Hungary. Despite these attempts to erase his memory, Lukács remains a persistent and provocative thinker.

In Confronting Reification, an international consortium of fourteen scholars delves into, reassesses, and applies one of Lukács' most seminal philosophical works, his theory of reification. Drawing upon papers presented at the 2017 Legacy of Georg Lukács conference held in Budapest, the essays compiled in this volume showcase the enduring vitality and relevance of Lukács' thought. Contributors to this volume include renowned scholars such as Rüdiger Dannemann, Frank Engster, Andrew Feenberg, Joseph Grim Feinberg, Andraž Jež, Christian Lotz, Csaba Olay, Tom Rockmore, Gregory R. Smulewicz-Zucker, Mariana Teixeira, Michael J. Thompson, Tivadar Vervoort, Richard Westerman, and Sean Winkler.

Lukács' theory of reification is a groundbreaking exploration of the processes by which social phenomena become abstract and depersonalized, losing their inherent richness and complexity. He argued that the modern capitalist society is characterized by a pervasive process of reification, where social relations and objects are reduced to mere commodities and economic transactions. This process not only alienates individuals from their true selves and social relationships but also perpetuates inequality and exploitation.

In the essays included in Confronting Reification, the contributors analyze and apply Lukács' theory of reification to a wide range of contemporary issues and phenomena. They examine how reification manifests in various aspects of modern life, such as consumerism, social media, political discourse, and the organization of work. They also explore the implications of reification for social movements and political struggles, highlighting the need for a renewed understanding of the human subject and the potential for collective resistance against the forces of reification.

Through their insightful contributions, the scholars in Confronting Reification demonstrate the enduring relevance of Lukács' philosophy and its ability to provide a critical lens for understanding the complex challenges of our contemporary world. Lukács' theory of reification remains a powerful tool for analyzing the structures and dynamics of power and inequality, and for envisioning alternative modes of social organization and political resistance.

In conclusion, Georg Lukács (1885-1971) remains a towering figure in the realm of philosophy and literary criticism. His theory of reification, which delves into the processes of abstraction and depersonalization in modern society, has left an indelible mark on critical theory and continues to inspire scholars and activists worldwide. Despite the challenges posed by right-wing extremism in his native Hungary, Lukács' legacy endures as a beacon of hope and resistance against the forces of reification and commodification. The essays collected in Confronting Reification serve as a testament to the enduring power of Lukács' thought and its relevance to our contemporary world.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642596083